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New Delhi: As the winter season approaches, the skies over India will become a little more passenger-friendly. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new guidelines that aim to make flight delays less aggravating.
A sip, a snack, and a sigh of relief
Assume the following scenario: You are prepared for a long-awaited vacation, but your flight is delayed. You won’t have to go through the pain of having a parched throat and a hunger strike any more. As per advisory issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines are required to supply:
- A Quench of Relief: Drinking water for delays up to two hours.
- A Bite to Eat: Tea, coffee, and snacks for delays between two and four hours.
- A Full Meal Deal: A full meal for delays exceeding four hours.
Picture Credits: Ministry of Civil Aviation India’s X account
A Breath of Fresh Air
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has taken action to resolve a persistent passenger complaint in addition to the DGCA announcement, for passengers spending hours adrift on an airplane. In the event of a weather or mechanical delay, airlines are now required to let the occupants exit and wait at the terminal. This eliminates the need for stuffy accommodations and agitated travelers.
Foggy Days, Clear Skies Ahead
Fog frequently causes delays at India’s airports, especially those in the north. The DGCA has taken a number of actions to counter this:
- Advanced Aircraft: In order to facilitate landings in low visibility situations, airlines must use aircraft that are outfitted with Category II and III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
- Improved Runways: To support Category II and III ILS operations and improve pilot vision, major airports are modernizing their runways.
- Real-time Information: To educate passengers of current circumstances, LED panels show real-time Runway Visual Range (RVR) data.
Additionally, the DGCA has issued guidelines for airlines to follow during fog-prone periods, including early planning, contingency plans, and passenger communication. These measures have helped reduce fog-related disruptions, but the DGCA continues to work with airlines and airports to further minimize their impact.
A Brand-New Passenger-Centric Era
Passenger convenience and comfort are becoming increasingly important, as seen by these new policies. The move by the DGCA is a big step in the right direction towards improving the experience of flying in India. Passenger happiness is undoubtedly rising to the top of the priority list as the aviation sector develops more.
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